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Sailing reference
Clear explanations of the language used in navigation, pilotage, weather, safety and life under sail.
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Rapid regular flash used mainly on cardinal marks
A quick light flashes at a rate of 50 to 79 flashes per minute, conventionally 50 or 60. Continuous quick, written Q, has no grouping and marks a north cardinal. Grouped forms are Q(3)10s for east, Q(6) plus long flash 15s for south and Q(9)15s for west. Interrupted quick, IQ, shows a run of quick flashes followed by a dark period and is used on some fixed structures rather than cardinals.
Read definition →The fast sailing manoeuvre for returning to someone overboard
On a yacht the quick stop keeps the casualty close by turning immediately into the wind and tacking without releasing the headsail sheet, which heaves the boat to and stops it within a boat length or two. The headsail is then dropped or furled, the engine started with lines clear of the propeller, and the boat motored back to approach from downwind on a close reach with the person on the leeward bow.
Read definition →Sailing reference
Clear explanations of the language used in navigation, pilotage, weather, safety and life under sail.